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Our team has been performing bariatric procedures since 2003. Surgical Weight Management Associates has by far the most comprehensive bariatric program in the Louisiana tri-parish area and has a success rate that is higher than the national average. We have a proven surgical record and our weight loss results are unmatched. Our surgeons have the most experience with Lap Band Conversion to Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Servicing the community for over forty years, our surgeons also practice general surgery at Bayou Surgical Specialists, the largest surgery group in the tri-parish area. We utilize the most current and advanced techniques to perform surgeries of the breast, colon, gallbladder, thyroid, and bowel, colonoscopies, trauma and cancer surgery. A compassionate and efficient staff, with physicians skilled in advanced laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgical techniques, our goal is exceptional surgical care for every patient.

Dr. Frederick Rau

Dr. Frederick J. Rau graduated from Nicholls State University in 1975 in Biology. He completed his medical school training at Louisiana State Medical Center in New Orleans in 1979. After completing his surgical residency at Louisiana State Medical Center (Charity Hospital) he returned to Houma Louisiana.

General and Thoracic /Advanced Laparoscopic / Bariatric Surgery since 1983

International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity / American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Board Certified in General Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Dr. Eric Rau

Dr. Eric Rau majored in Biology at Nicholls State University and received his Doctorate from LSUMC, New Orleans in 1993. He completed his surgical training in 1998 through the LSU Dept of Surgery including the Medical Center of Louisiana Level 1 trauma center (Charity Hospital). During his training at LSU, Dr Eric researched models for surgically induced infections in obesity. This research garnered an award from The American Federation of Clinical Research and invitations to present the findings at multiple national society meetings. He was named the “Outstanding Surgery Resident of the Year for 1996 and 1997. In his final year at LSU Dept of Surgery he served as the Administrative Teaching Resident and was recognized with the Professor’s Award for Clinical Excellence. Also in 1998 Dr. Eric became the first LSU surgery resident to be named Resident of the Year for the Medical Center of Louisiana system.

Practicing in Houma, LA since 1998, He remains committed to bringing advanced surgical therapies to the area. Dr Eric introduced to the Bayou Region revolutionary options in the treatment of breast cancer, minimally invasive surgery and bariatric surgery including the first laparoscopic gastric bypass. Outside his surgical practice, he is engaged in other aspects of improving healthcare for the Tri-Parish area. As Medical Director at Physicians Medical Center, he helped establish the only American College of Surgeons accredited “Bariatric Center of Excellence” in the eight surrounding parishes. Affecting surgical innovation outside the local community, Dr. Eric was recruited as an international consultant for the design and implantation of hernia prosthetics.

General and Thoracic / Advanced Laparoscopic / Bariatric Surgeon

International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity / American Society for Metabolic Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Donald P. Schwab, Jr.
M.D. F.A.C.S.

Dr. Schwab graduated from Nicholls State University in premed biology. He then finished medical school at LSU New Orleans in 1996. He completed two years of residency at LSU New Orleans. He finished out his training in Greenville ,South Carolina at Greenville Memorial Hospital in 2002. While in residency at Greenville he was both academic resident of the year and Chief Resident his last year. His lifelong dream of practicing general surgery in Houma La was realized when he joined Bayou Surgical Specialist in 2002. Joining the most experienced and respected group in the area was the culmination of 14 years of post high school education and training. For over 15 years he has passionately taken care of his surgical patients. Bariatric surgery represents a truly unique opportunity to change the trajectory of individual human lives. Helping his patients regain their health and their lives back through bariatric surgery has been tremendously satisfying on a personal and professional level. Dr. Schwab and his partners look forward to continuing this journey of health for many years to come.

General and Thoracic / Advanced Laparoscopic / Bariatric Surgeon

International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity / American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Dr. David J. Rau M.D.

Dr. David Rau completed undergraduate studies at Nicholls State University and went on to post graduate studies in medicine at LSU. He finished in 1984 and continued his residency at LSU affiliate hospital caring for patients through the LSU system. He gained vast experience in trauma and general surgery. Dr. David was also named outstanding Resident of the year for four of the five years and served as chief administrative Resident in 1988

General and Thoracic / Advanced Laparoscopic / Bariatric Surgeon

International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity / American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Success Stories, Seminars, BMI Calculator

Success Stories

Our surgeons have been performing bariatric surgery since 2003 with a success rate that is well above the national average. We believe in long-term patient support and hold monthly support groups for past and future clients.

Seminars

We invite you to attend an informative seminar to learn more about our bariatric surgery program. Our seminars are free, pre-registration is not required, and we encourage you to bring family and friends with you to the seminar.

BMI Calculator

While only a qualified surgeon can determine if you are a candidate for weight-loss surgery, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a BMI of 40, or a BMI 30-35 or higher with one or more obesity-related conditions.